Backstory may have the most beautiful coffee shop interior I've ever been in.
The second I walked in, I actually laughed because it felt way too gorgeous to be "just" a coffee shop. The soaring industrial ceilings, massive windows pouring in natural light, dark wood shelving, plants everywhere, books, artwork, vintage decor, and incredible lighting somehow make the whole place feel both grand and peaceful. It's the kind of space where you immediately want to cancel your plans and spend the entire afternoon reading, working, or simply existing. Every direction you look feels thoughtfully designed.
One thing I couldn't find online beforehand was whether there would be places to plug in my laptop. Thankfully, there are plenty of outlets, making it a fantastic place to work. Even better, despite its size, the atmosphere stays calm and quiet. It never felt loud or chaotic.
The drinks were excellent. I tried the Lime Creamsicle Iced Matcha and later ordered a hot matcha, complete with a beautiful heart poured into the milk. I especially appreciated that they use what tasted like genuine, high-quality matcha rather than the overly sweet, filler-heavy mixes that so many coffee shops rely on. You can absolutely taste the difference.
I also picked up two pastries: an artichoke and cheese croissant (I think it was Gouda?) and the coffee cake. Both were delicious, but that coffee cake deserves its own paragraph. It was huge, incredibly moist and rich, and served in a large paper liner almost like an oversized cupcake. I'd happily go back just for that.
If I had one wish, it would simply be for the menu to match the creativity of the space. The coffee, tea, and espresso selections felt a bit limited considering how unique everything else is. This seems like the perfect place to experiment with fun specialty drinks and elevated touches. Imagine pink peppercorn on a cortado, mint dust on a cappuccino, unique flavored cold foams, rotating seasonal teas, or other creative finishes. The environment practically begs for a menu that's just as imaginative.
The staff interaction was fine but didn't really stand out. When I asked whether they recommended the Lime Creamsicle Matcha, the response was basically, "I mean... it tastes like a lime creamsicle." It wasn't unfriendly, just not especially engaging.
The prices are definitely on the higher end, but between the stunning atmosphere, quality ingredients, and excellent pastries, I'd happily return. Backstory isn't just somewhere to grab coffee. It's somewhere you want to linger.
If you're looking for one of the most beautiful, calming coffee shops in Minneapolis, this belongs at the top of your list. read more